Let's solve the homework task step by step. The goal is to
identify the clause and the phrase in each sentence.
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🔹 Definitions:
-
Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be independent (can stand alone as a sentence) or dependent.
-
Phrase: A group of words that does
not have both a subject and a verb. It functions as a single part of speech (e.g., noun phrase, prepositional phrase).
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Now, let’s go through each sentence:
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1. He is laughing at a joker.
-
Clause: *He is laughing*
→ This has a subject ("He") and a verb ("is laughing"). It’s a complete thought (independent clause).
-
Phrase: *at a joker*
→ This is a
prepositional phrase (starts with "at"), describing where he is laughing.
✔ Answer:
- Clause: He is laughing
- Phrase: at a joker
---
2. She is making tea for the guests.
-
Clause: *She is making tea*
→ Subject: "She", Verb: "is making" → Complete clause.
-
Phrase: *for the guests*
→ Prepositional phrase indicating purpose or recipient.
✔ Answer:
- Clause: She is making tea
- Phrase: for the guests
---
3. I saw a girl with blue eyes.
-
Clause: *I saw a girl*
→ Subject: "I", Verb: "saw" → Independent clause.
-
Phrase: *with blue eyes*
→ Prepositional phrase modifying "girl".
✔ Answer:
- Clause: I saw a girl
- Phrase: with blue eyes
---
4. He always behaves in a strange way.
-
Clause: *He always behaves*
→ Subject: "He", Verb: "behaves" → Complete clause.
-
Phrase: *in a strange way*
→ Prepositional phrase describing how he behaves.
✔ Answer:
- Clause: He always behaves
- Phrase: in a strange way
---
5. The boy in the red shirt is my cousin.
-
Clause: *The boy is my cousin*
→ Subject: "The boy", Verb: "is" → This is the main clause.
-
Phrase: *in the red shirt*
→ Prepositional phrase modifying "boy".
✔ Answer:
- Clause: The boy is my cousin
- Phrase: in the red shirt
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✔ Final Answers:
| Sentence | Clause | Phrase |
|--------|--------|--------|
| 1. He is laughing at a joker. | He is laughing | at a joker |
| 2. She is making tea for the guests. | She is making tea | for the guests |
| 3. I saw a girl with blue eyes. | I saw a girl | with blue eyes |
| 4. He always behaves in a strange way. | He always behaves | in a strange way |
| 5. The boy in the red shirt is my cousin. | The boy is my cousin | in the red shirt |
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📝 Explanation Summary:
In each sentence:
- The
clause includes the
subject and verb, forming a core idea.
- The
phrase adds extra information but lacks a subject and verb — often starting with a preposition like "at," "for," "with," "in."
This helps students understand sentence structure and grammar components.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of phrase or clause worksheet.
